Reports issued this week have acknowledged Slovakia’s efforts to protect minority languages, especially Hungarian, and Armenia’s efforts to promote linguistic diversity. However in both cases the reports pointed out that work was still needed.
The two reports, published by the committee of experts of the European charter for regional or minority languages, indicated issues with minority languages in education and other areas in both countries.
Support given to minority cultures
On Slovakia, the committee noted the legislation allowing use of minority languages in several fields, in particular the authorities’ support for museums of several national minorities.
In Armenia, a “cultural diversity” programme for schools has been developed. This has enabled the teaching and learning of minority languages; in 2024 approximately 170 schools across the country were involved. Cultural events, seminars and celebrations of national holidays in minority communities take place regularly and are actively supported and financed by the Armenian government.
What more needs to be done to protect minority languages in Armenia?
Although teaching of Russian is available at all levels of education in Armenia and other language instruction has been improved, progress is limited due to the persistent lack of qualified language teachers. The committee called for the setting up of university chairs of Assyrian, Ukrainian and Yezidi to address this.
As regards dealing with local authorities or assemblies, the committee noted positively the use of some minority languages in these contexts. It reiterated the need to ensure that this remained the case in the ongoing local-government reform, in which some local-authority areas will be merged.
How can Slovakia do more for minority languages?
In Slovakia, legislation continues to contain provisions that exclude, restrict or discourage the use of minority languages, particularly in the fields of the judiciary, administration, the media, and economic and social life. In education, while Hungarian is used as a medium of instruction at all levels, teaching through or of most other languages is still not fully available in line with Slovakia’s commitments.
Regarding the judicial system, the committee regrets that the right to use minority languages in criminal proceedings is currently subject to the individual concerned not being able to master Slovak. It therefore calls for creating a clear legal basis for the use of minority languages in criminal proceedings in conformity with the charter. Currently, minority languages are used to some extent in criminal and civil proceedings, but rarely in administrative proceedings.
What is the European charter for regional or minority languages?
The European charter for regional or minority languages is the Council of Europe’s convention designed to protect and promote states parties’ traditional regional or minority languages and enable speakers of these languages to use them in both private and public life. Its implementation is monitored by an independent committee of experts. The treaty entered into force on 1 March 1998 and is now in force in 25 countries.
Press release on the Armenia report
Press release on the Slovakia report
Read the report on Armenia
Read the report on Slovakia
